THE last disabled workers at Remploy factories in Scotland are at risk of losing their job under new closure plans.

The announcement affects all 172 people, including 152 disabled employees, at the five remaining factories.

In a statement, Remploy said the Frontline Textiles businesses in Dundee, Stirling and Clydebank are proposed for closure with all staff at risk of redundancy.

Marine Textiles businesses at Leven and Cowdenbeath in Fife are also at risk despite having an "established market position" that might attract commercial interest.

Bruce Crawford, SNP MSP for Stirling, raised his "deep concern" about the closures during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood.

He later said: "Another day, another round of closures. This is dreadfully sad news for the workers and their families, and it could have been avoided.

"Let's remember that closing these factories is completely at odds with the UK Government's stated aims in their welfare-cutting agenda.

"They claim to be trying to support people who can work into work. Remploy does exactly that but now the Tories are allowing the factories to be closed and they are forcing disabled workers onto the dole knowing full well how incredibly difficult it will be for them to find jobs in the current climate."

In Parliament, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I think the attitude of Remploy speaks very poorly of the UK Government to workers in that position.

"I feel particularly for workers in those factories who were given an indication that there could be a successful outcome to the change of process, and that hasn't as yet come to pass."

UK ministers announced earlier this year that a number of Remploy factories would close, arguing that the budget for disabled employment services could be spent more effectively.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "From today Remploy will invite expressions of interest to take over the running of the remaining factories.

"Our priority throughout this process is to safeguard jobs, which is why we are offering a wage subsidy of up to £6,400 per disabled employee to encourage interested parties to come forward.

"We have also been clear from the start that we have protected the £320 million budget for disability employment services. But we are following the advice of disability expert Liz Sayce to use the money more effectively to get more disabled people into mainstream jobs, the same as everyone else.

"All disabled employees affected by the changes will be guaranteed tailored support from an £8 million package, including a personal case worker, to help with the transition into mainstream employment."

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: "This further announcement by the UK Government is nothing less than a kick in the teeth to the most vulnerable yet hard working in our communities.

"Despite the lengthening dole queues made up by ex-Remploy workers, the Tories have decided to try to sneak this announcement out. There is clearly no season of goodwill in Downing Street as they devastate more disabled workers with a P45 this Christmas.

"Once again, I call on the Scottish Government to take action. They agreed to a series of proposals that we put forward last week, which is welcome, but speed is of the essence and I hope that they move swiftly to provide viable options for the affected workplaces as soon as possible."